“The Upshur County Literacy Program is proud to announce two milestones in our history,” said program director Carolyn Williams.

“This year is our 25th Anniversary of serving the area with quality educational services,” she said. “This year’s Rotary Spelling Bee for Literacy is our 20th annual fundraiser.”

The 20th annual Bee for Literacy Spelling Bee will be Thursday evening, March 21, at the Gilmer Civic Center.

“We are looking forward to another great community event,” Mrs. Williams said.

The $15 ticket price includes a barbeque dinner, live and silent auction and raffle, and the Spelling Bee to top off the evening.

The Literacy Program offers basic skills instruction in reading, writing and mathematics.

“We also offer GED preparation free of charge to anyone who wishes to improve their lives through education,” Mrs. Williams said. “The workplace is more and more demanding. Some people who have a high school diploma need to improve their basic skills to retain their jobs, or be promoted to a better position.”

She also said that changes are coming in qualifications to get a GED, and that anyone who needs one and currently qualifies should try to get it this year.

“We want to encourage anyone who needs a GED to call and enroll now!” Mrs. Williams said. “In 2014, the Official GED Test will change completely.”

The fee will go from $80 to $120. The entire test will be given on the computer, and the content will be more up to date, more difficult, and the format will change as well.

“We do not have all the information yet, but we do know it will be implemented in January, 2014. This will mean we will have expenditures to meet the requirements of the new test so that we may continue to offer GED preparation,” she said.

“Please join us on March 21 at the Gilmer Civic Center for the 20th annual Rotary Spelling Bee for Literacy,” she said. “It will be fun for all and exciting for the spelling teams, as they vie for the coveted traveling trophy (and bragging rights). For more information or to donate items to the fundraiser, call 903-843-3360.